Find a Therapist in Fountain Valley, CA

Candy Bui, a Marriage & Family Therapist, is dedicated to guiding clients on a journey of self-discovery and validation of their experiences. She believes in the power of choice rooted in individual values, helping clients understand that their challenges are not a reflection of being 'crazy,' but rather connections to their upbringing and family dynamics. With a deep passion for working with the BIPOC community, Candy specializes in assisting individuals process generational trauma linked to immigration, discrimination, and prejudice, particularly first and second-generation adults. She employs a humanistic, client-centered approach, seamlessly integrating narrative therapy. Through a culturally responsive lens, she empowers clients to break down cultural, generational, and societal norms, supporting them in becoming their most authentic selves. Candy recognizes that seeking support can be daunting, especially amidst cultural stigma. Her commitment to her clients is evident in her approach, encouraging them to take steps toward understanding themselves and their patterns. In her practice, she fosters a space where individuals can cultivate the life they desire, grounded in mindfulness and compassion.

Joan David, PhD, a licensed psychologist at Clarity Psychological Services, embodies a holistic approach to therapy, recognizing that each individual is unique. With a commitment to ensuring that therapy is meaningful, she equips her clients with the necessary tools to achieve a balanced and fulfilling life. Her practice specializes in working with children, adolescents, families, and couples, addressing issues such as depression, anxiety, anger and stress management, and parenting support. Joan's clinical approach emphasizes not only the challenges faced by her clients but also the strengths they possess, believing that successful therapy is a collaborative effort between the therapist and client. She skillfully employs various modalities, including Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), to cater to diverse needs. Additionally, she offers assessment services, further enhancing her comprehensive offerings aimed at fostering resilience and growth.

Laurie Fitzgerald is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a profound commitment to helping individuals facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, domestic abuse, trauma, PTSD, and LGBTQIA+ issues. Her educational background includes a Master's degree in Community Mental Health with a Child and Family Therapy Specialization from Portland State University, which she completed in 1998. Laurie employs a blend of relationship-based and cognitive-behavioral approaches, believing in the innate ability of every person to uncover their own solutions to life’s complex questions. As a facilitator and guide, she creates a supportive environment where clients can reflect and discover their inner answers. She balances attentive listening with providing validation and fresh perspectives, engaging clients with gently direct questions that encourage introspection. Each first session serves as a foundational opportunity to gather personal histories and understand clients' goals for therapy, alongside addressing any inquiries they may have about both Laurie and the therapeutic process. With a focus on supporting teens, adults, and elders alike, Laurie embodies a warm and understanding presence, making her a compassionate choice for those seeking guidance in navigating life's transitions and emotional challenges.

Tim Flaharty is a compassionate Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) specializing in existential counseling, dedicated to helping individuals find meaning in life's struggles. He attracts clients who aim to gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their relationships, guiding them toward a more fulfilling life. Tim collaborates with his clients to explore their thinking and behavioral patterns, identifying motivations behind actions that hinder their well-being. Together, they develop practical plans to address these thoughts and behaviors while setting manageable short-term goals. Tim knows that one of the most impactful supports he can offer is being present with clients as they navigate life's challenges. His most significant achievements in therapy stem from the moments when clients feel truly understood, allowing him to walk alongside them through pain and hardship, ultimately fostering a richer, more meaningful life experience.

Mark Gery is a seasoned Marriage & Family Therapist, bringing over 20 years of experience in supporting individuals and couples grappling with depression, anxiety, and relationship issues. His comprehensive expertise extends to crisis intervention, stress management, grief issues, and symptoms of PTSD, ensuring clients receive tailored and effective care. Utilized in couples therapy is the renowned Gottman method, while his family therapy sessions incorporate Strategic and Structural approaches that foster positive change. Additionally, Mark possesses valuable experience addressing Narcissistic and Borderline Personality issues, along with child and adolescent therapy. With a varied professional background that includes restaurant work, music, and social work, Mark draws from a rich tapestry of life experiences to cultivate deep connections and understanding of the challenges faced by his clients, essential for facilitating successful therapy.

Richard Kepple is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a passion for helping individuals and couples reconnect with their loved ones. His sincere desire is to instill hope and facilitate a journey toward regaining lost emotional and social connections. Specializing in relationship issues, family conflict, and self-esteem concerns, Richard works compassionately with adults and elders. He employs a variety of therapeutic approaches, including Family and Marital Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Richard believes that understanding and effective communication are central to restoring relationships, and he provides insight into the dynamics that may be causing breakdowns in communication. With his expertise, he aims to help clients find balance and emotional well-being amid life’s challenges. Engaging in a personal connection is crucial for effective therapy, and Richard is dedicated to guiding clients toward a renewed sense of hope and connection.

Tena Madrid is a dedicated Marriage & Family Therapist (MA, LMFT) who specializes in helping teens, adults, and elders navigate life's challenges. Known for her practical and interactive approach, Tena focuses on providing supportive, solution-focused therapy that empowers clients to address both immediate problems and long-standing patterns in their lives. With sensitivity and compassion, she skillfully assists individuals facing issues such as depression, trauma, PTSD, and anxiety. Tena integrates Mindfulness-Based and Compassion-Focused therapies with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), tailoring her methods to meet the unique needs of each client. By blending conventional and alternative approaches, she helps clients leverage their strengths, identify their goals, and work towards meaningful change in their lives.

Courtney Markowitz is a licensed marriage and family therapist who specializes in assisting individuals grappling with depression, anxiety, and trauma, particularly when these issues hinder their ability to regulate emotions. She supports clients facing overwhelming anxiety, which can manifest as behaviors like withdrawal from social situations and self-injurious actions. Her approach involves guiding clients willing to explore their childhood experiences and unconscious motivations, enhancing their self-awareness and understanding of current behaviors. Additionally, Courtney works with couples facing challenges in communication that contribute to dissatisfaction in their relationships. Utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and perspective-taking techniques within the therapeutic alliance, she equips her clients with skills to effectively manage and alleviate their symptoms. With a focus on balancing acceptance and change, Courtney believes in recognizing that while one's feelings and behaviors may be understandable, they might not be serving them well, creating a pathway for transformation. Her dedication lies in understanding her clients' unique worldviews and helping them navigate their inner landscapes to change what isn't working in their lives. In the face of anxiety and various mental health challenges, Courtney is passionate about empowering individuals to learn how to manage these difficulties, guiding them toward their most authentic selves.

Kyle Pettit is a dedicated marriage and family therapist associate who is passionate about helping individuals navigate challenges such as self-esteem issues, anxiety, depression, and stress. He collaborates closely with his clients to empower them to reach their full potential and overcome life's difficulties. Utilizing evidence-based techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Kyle provides a supportive environment where both men and women can thrive. Through confidential, one-on-one telehealth sessions, he guides clients in understanding their past while equipping them with the tools and strategies necessary for a positive future. As a biracial Asian American man, Kyle brings invaluable personal insights into the unique cultural experiences of his clients. His process begins with a thorough assessment to create a tailored path to emotional stability and personal growth. Kyle strives to help clients not only address their issues but also nurture their innate capacity for healing through holistic approaches to wellbeing. As a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT), he is completing his master's degree requirements and gaining hours towards full licensure, while receiving supervision from Dr. Cameron Froude, a Ph.D. Clinical Supervisor at O'Brien & Associates.

Dr. Linda Sanicola is a dedicated psychologist with over 30 years of experience working with individuals of all ages, including preteens, children, teens, toddlers, and adults. She is committed to providing essential parenting education and training, recognizing their importance in fostering healthy family dynamics. Dr. Sanicola’s therapeutic goals focus on helping clients develop effective decision-making skills for everyday life and mastering fundamental problem-solving strategies. She believes that significant improvements can often occur through education and awareness delivered within a caring and compassionate environment. Utilizing Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), Dr. Sanicola maximizes symptom relief while minimizing the time needed in therapy. This innovative approach combines modern psychology with ancient acupressure techniques, enabling clients to experience substantial benefits in a short span of time. Her unique blend of traditional training and modern methodologies allows her to address a variety of issues, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, self-esteem, and relationship challenges. Additionally, Dr. Sanicola offers support to birth mothers seeking to create adoption placement agreements for their babies, emphasizing her broad compassionate approach in therapy.

Janelle Shepard is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, specializing in self-esteem, ADHD, and body image issues. She works with individuals aged 17 and above, including teens, adults, and elders. Janelle's passion lies in assisting her clients who face negative body image, executive function challenges, and depression. She is dedicated to helping them build self-esteem, understand their mental processes, reduce perfectionism and anxiety, and foster healthy relationships. Through her compassionate and collaborative approach, Janelle empowers her clients to develop a deeper sense of self-worth, examine and transform old behavior patterns, and establish boundaries that lead to a balanced and fulfilling life. She emphasizes the interconnectedness of emotional, mental, and physical wellness while providing support for traumas with her expertise in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). As an LGBTQIA+ affirmative and body-positive therapist, Janelle integrates intuitive eating principles into her work, ensuring that every client feels validated and heard. She strives to create a safe and welcoming space for clients of color and various identities, encouraging each individual to explore their unique experiences with confidence.

Valerie Uy, LMFT, understands that the journey of healing and self-discovery can be both challenging and transformative. She acknowledges that healing is not a straightforward path, often marked by ups and downs, but rather an adventure that encourages individuals to step beyond their comfort zones and societal norms. Valerie recognizes that many clients come to her seeking self-love and authenticity, often feeling defeated or isolated in their struggles. Drawing from her extensive experience, she believes in the resilience of individuals and their ability to heal and grow. Specializing in helping couples and individuals navigate issues such as trauma, anxiety, self-esteem, infidelity, and substance use, Valerie provides a safe and empathic environment. Her clients appreciate the absence of labels and stigma, allowing them to embrace emotional vulnerability and cultivate hope and compassion. Valerie is dedicated to ensuring each client feels seen and heard, believing that every voice matters. With her guidance, clients can embark on a collaborative journey to discover their inner light, pursue what makes them feel alive, and express their authentic selves across all areas of their lives.